New Study Shows Octopamine Can Prevent Cell Death in Mammalian Brains and Could Lead to Future Therapies for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that octopamine, a major neurotransmitter in invertebrates responsible for triggering the “fight-or-flight” response, can communicate with mammalian brain cells to prevent cell death. In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that introducing octopamine to cultures of astrocytes stimulated the production of lactate which promotes cell survival, potentially leading to future therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the study raises questions about the role of octopamine in healthy brains and its impact on learning, memory, and aging. The findings could inform future therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and bipolar disorder, which have been associated with dysregulated levels of octopamine in the brain. The researchers hope to better understand how octopamine operates under physiological conditions such as learning and memory and aging.